MGM Extends Branding Accord with Macau Unit

MGM China has reached an agreement MGM Resorts International (NYSE:MGM) to continue using one of the gaming industry’s most recognizable brands.

The Chinese entity is the Macau arm of the Las Vegas-based gaming behemoth and operates MGM Cotai and MGM Macau in the world’s largest casino center. The news arrives on the heels of Macau extending concessionaires’ gaming permits through the end of 2022.

Following the further extension of the Sub-Concession pursuant to the Sub[1]Concession Further Extension Contract and in order to align the expiry dates of the Branding Agreement with that of the further extended Sub-Concession, the Company and the respective Counterparties have entered into the Second Renewed Branding Agreement on June 26, 2022 to replace and renew the First Renewed Branding Agreement,” according to a statement issued by MGM China.

The Bellagio operator owns nearly 56% of the Macau business, while Pansy Ho, cochairperson at MGM China Holdings, is the second-largest shareholder at 22.49%. She is the eldest daughter of Macau gaming scion Stanley Ho. MGM and Ho are equal holders in an entity known as MGM Branding.

Expected, But Important Nonetheless
The initial agreement commenced in 2011 and was slated to lapse in 2020. But it was extended through June 2022 in 2019.

Though an expected, perfunctory action, renewing the branding accord is important for MGM and its Macau subsidiary. In the case of the latter, it leverages one of the most ubiquitous brands in the gaming industry to lure patrons to its two integrated resorts.

Source: https://www.casino.org/news/mgm-china-renews-branding-deal-with-mgm-resorts/